Colorado Matters

What's next for Colorado's Democrats? Ryan speaks with State Chair Shad Murib as party leaders from across the country gather in Denver. Then, how Amendment 87 and Proposition NN impact the state budget. Also, helicopters and creative county clerks ensure every vote counted. And Denver chef Penelope Wong, of Yuan Wonton, takes off with United Airlines. 

It’s a phenomenon scientists want to understand: why do people in comas or with dementia – suddenly become lucid and alert – before they die. In "Searching for Jobie," our series exploring ideas about death and the possibility of an afterlife, we speak with a researcher about “terminal lucidity." Then, millions of dollars in financial aid for college in Colorado are left on the table each year; this weekend, there's an opportunity to get some free help. And, welcome to the Rainbow Dome! 

We're live in Fort Collins from the Colorado State University campus. Saffron, aka "Red Gold," is the world's most expensive spice. It also has potential to treat anxiety and depression. A CSU graduate student is investigating its potential as a crop in Colorado. Then, Coloradans hold water bottles near and dear to their hearts -- and lips. But there were places on the CSU campus where you couldn't take them. A student got the policy changed at the school's stadium and arena. Also, "The Political Crossroads of Artificial Intelligence." And a live performance by Fort Collins indie band, "Frail Talk." 

Imagine being 12 years old and having to rush home from school to make sure your grandmother has eaten or taken her medication. For thousands of Colorado children, that’s not hypothetical; it’s a daily reality. We explore the trend of youth caregivers in Aging Matters. Then, Democrat Eileen Laubacher's in Washington, D.C. for freshman orientation in Congress as CNN calls the race for her against Republican Lauren Boebert in the 4th Congressional District. And, the inspiring journey from seeming hopelessness in Kenya to a life of service in Colorado for Dr. Pius Kamau, whose new memoir is "Running with Lions."

He picked up bullet casings outside his Aurora apartment.  Little did he know he'd be swept up in President Trump's mass deportations. We tell his story in a new podcast, "The Whisper Game." Then, the pendulum of extremes, from severe drought to torrential floods. And, trees can teach us a lot about climate change and extreme weather. Forester Elli Morris calls herself a "tree storyteller." She says they make calculated decisions to survive. Morris met our Hayley Sanchez on a river trail near Durango. 

What cuts through political polarization? Fighting corruption. Voters are generally disgusted by overt self-dealing, says DU political scientist Seth Masket. This is borne out by the midterm results. Today, a post-election edition of our series "If You Can Keep It," about the state of our democracy. Then, how "Mortified" gets Coloradans to read from their teenage diaries on stage. "Mortified Colorado's" 10th anniversary show is November 19 at Denver's Oriental Theater. Plus, I share my own "Mortified" story in this podcast bonus!

Jared Polis will be governor for two more months; he sits down with Ryan Warner to answer questions after Democrats' big win in the midterm, his support for passenger rail, his legacy with Tina Peters, and what's ahead for Colorado. Then, a New York Times Magazine article has sparked national debate over school segregation, parental choice, and the complexities to achieve academic success. Chandra Thomas Whitfield speaks with a panel of Black parents who've navigated this issue in Colorado. 

Democrats swept the statewide offices. They now have a supermajority in the state legislature. In even the reddest congressional districts, races are still too close to call. Meanwhile, voters sent mixed messages via ballot measures. We break it all down with our panel of experts: Democratic strategist Craig Hughes, Republican columnist Krista Kafer, and unaffiliated communications consultant Alton Dillard.

Dr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder (CAAAS), widely known as "The Cause," joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in August to discuss the Center's fifth anniversary and his work as a scholar and author. The author of the books, The Funk Movement and Black Feminist Funk, Dr. Rabaka shared his reflections (and playlist) that he says trace the cultural and political power of Black music and its role in shaping history. 

Krista Hanley survived the attack on Columbine High School April 20, 1999. For years, she did everything she could to avoid being "the Columbine girl." In her new memoir "How To Survive A Mass Shooting," Hanley comes to terms with her trauma. She joins Senior Host Ryan Warner at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver for the book's launch.